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"The definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch, but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ (CT, no.5).”

CT--Pope John Paul II. On Catechesis in Our Time (Catechesi Tradendae). Washington, DC: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1987.

Mission:

While it is true that parents have the “first responsibility for the education of their children” (CCC 2223), it is also true that “the parish is the Eucharistic community and the heart of the liturgical life of Christian families;” therefore it is “a privileged place for the catechesis of children and parents” (CCC 2226). Our desire at Holy Cross for the religious education program is to aid and assist parents in the privilege of evangelizing their children.

Religious education is provided as follows:

•All elementary grades (1
st-5
th) participate in the
CCDprogram.
They meet on Wednesday nights throughout the school year from 6:30pm-7:30pm at Holy Cross School. The CCD Coordinator is Tracie Richards.

•Jr. High grades (6
th-8
th) participate in
The Edge program.
They meet on Wednesday nights throughout the school year from 6:30pm-7:45pm beginning in the Holy Cross School Cafeteria for food and fellowship, and then conclude in the LifeHouse for their catechesis. The Edge Coordinator is Ricky Busha.

•High School grades (9
th-12
th) participate in the
Life Teen program.
They meet on Sunday evenings, first for Mass (6:00pm Life Teen Mass), then proceed to the Cafeteria for food and fellowship, and on to the Life House for the remainder of the Life Night (8:30pm). These evenings are open to all high school age students and are a wonderful way to learn about the faith while growing in Christian fellowship. The Life Teen Coordinator is Terri Busha.

CONFIRMATION The Confirmation program at Holy Cross is a two-year program. During a student’s sophomore year, they are required to attend all the youth group Life Nights. During their junior year, in addition to attending all Life Nights, they attend a Confirmation Class on Wednesday nights from 6:45pm-8:00pm, as well as attend a Confirmation Retreat and complete various service hours. The Confirmation teachers are Thomas Orsak and Marco Ruvalcaba.

The Seven Core Values of Life Teen (via lifeteen.com)

•Eucharistic Spirituality

At the Last Supper, Jesus lifted up bread and wine and proclaimed to his disciples that he was offering His Body and Blood. For over 2000 years, Catholics have continued this tradition by celebrating Mass and receiving Jesus in a unique way. We at Life Teen believe that a solid Catholic faith must be centered on the Eucharist. It is the source and summit of our faith.

•Love

They’ll know we’re Christians by our love. This world is consumed with hate and envy. We hope that all teenagers who shop up at Life Teen at their parishes will know that they’re loved.

•Joy

Who says Catholicism has to be boring? We believe that Jesus is a reason to be joyful and excited about life. You can guarantee that everything we do will be a good time for everyone.

•Affirmation

People are always telling you what you’re not. But at Life Teen, our core value of Affirmation reminds us that Jesus showed us a different way. We encourage one another, support one another, and pick each other up when we get knocked down. We’re in this together.

•Authenticity

Tired of wearing the masks? Tired of fake people? We are too. That’s why Life Teen has made it a core value to live an authentic life. We don’t pretend we’re perfect. We recognize that we’re all sinners and we need God. This means we’re able to be honest and vulnerable with one another. We want to be REAL with one another.

•Evangelization

We believe that every teenager deserves a chance to have a relationship with Jesus. That’s why we’re not content hiding in our churches hoping for people to fill our pews. We want to boldly enter the streets and invite everyone—young and old—to grow closer to God.

•Primary Vocation

Sometimes it’s easy to get distracted by all the work that needs to be done in the world. That’s why the adults who are involved in Life Teen are expected to keep their vocation their #1 priority. So if you’re a married youth minister, take care of your family first. If you’re a priest or religious brother or sister, don’t become so consumed in youth ministry that you forget God called you
first to Him, and second to serving his people.
The Life Teen website is a great resource for teens and their parents—It has questions and answers, as well as a wealth of resources. Click on the image below to view their page.